Preventing Cesarean Birth

Very rarely, a cesarean is done because there is an emergency health problem for you or your baby. Th e most common reason for a cesarean is that labor is not going as fast as expected. Your contractions may not be strong enough, your cervix may not be dilating (opening), or your baby may not be moving down the birth canal. If your health care provider suggests you need a cesarean because your labor is not going fast enough, ask if you have other options. If your baby’s heart rate is doing well, there is likely no medical reason to have a cesarean birth.